Debate over expansion of St. Matthew's House

Vann Ellison, center, executive director of St Matthew's House, based in East Naples, debates former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt, right, during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and was debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Ellison, and McCourt as the dissenting voice.

Vann Ellison, center, executive director of St Matthew's House, based in East Naples, debates former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt, right, during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and was debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Ellison, and McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Vann Ellison, center, executive director of St Matthew's House, based in East Naples, debates former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt, right, during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and was debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Ellison, and McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Area residents listen to the debate at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Wednesday during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matt's House, and former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matthew's House, based in East Naples, listens to former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt, give his opinion on Wednesday during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Ellison, and McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Area residents listen to the debate at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Wednesday during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matt's House, and former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matthew's House, based in East Naples, gives his opening statement at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Wednesday during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Ellison, and former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Area residents fill up First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Wednesday to hear a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matt's House, and former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff

Area residents listen to the debate at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Wednesday during a moderated community forum in regards to St. Matthew's House homeless shelter's proposal to expand to Bonita at the site of a former lumber yard on Old U.S. 41. The discussion included questions from audience members and debated by Rick Fumo, chairman of the board of St Matthew's House, Vann Ellison, executive director of St Matt's House, and former Bonita Springs councilman Pat McCourt as the dissenting voice. Greg Kahn/Staff